Zoe Campbell makes handmade pieces of jewellery and DIY craft kits: Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Who are you and what is your business? My name is Zoe Campbell and I make handmade jewellery and DIY craft kits.
Where did you begin? I started my business (Handmade By Zoe Campbell) when I was at the Australian National University. I was making earrings for friends out of my university accommodation room and then, eventually, word got out and I was offered a stall at the local market in Canberra. I said yes to the market and I kept doing them regularly.
The business has grown and I now do online sales and wholesale to stores around Australia. I got back to Wagga 12 months ago.
What do you produce? I make earrings, necklaces and cufflinks. The jewellery is hand painted. I start out by doing a really big painting with a type of ink and I cut out a section of the painting, cover it in glass and encase it in the middle. That’s why they all look different, they’re all unique. There’s never going to be another one like it. They’re all pieces of wearable art.
I try to use sterling silver or stainless as much as I can because it’s good for sensitive ears.
I made the craft kits as my graduating project for university in 2020. I started with four and wanted to do something to keep people entertained during lockdown. And then they were quite popular. Now I’ve got seven different kits.
What do you sell that makes a great gift? Any of them. If it’s someone that’s a bit crafty, I would recommend the earring kits and they can learn how to make their own.
One of Zoe’s handmade earrings. Photo: Handmade by Zoe Campbell.
What would you make if you could do anything? I have ADHD, so I would do everything I could possibly do. Currently, I really want to try stained glass and making lampwork beads. There are so many things. I want to do ceramics but I just don’t have the space or tools.
Where can we buy your products? You can buy them online and at markets around the Riverina. The Riverina Producers Markets on Thursdays, Wolloundry Markets on the second Saturday of the month, River and Wren and markets by the lake whenever they have them. You can find them in stores at Jardine’s Cafe and Bubbles and Tea.
Zoe also makes novelty earrings. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
How would you promote the Riverina? Riverina has a lot of great little local businesses and events that happen quite frequently. It’s just a really nice place to be and the rent is cheap.
Coolest local thing you’ve ever bought? It’s not something local but I got these little mushrooms for my garden from my neighbouring stall at the Made by me Market in Wodonga a few months ago.
Zoe started her business in her university room. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Where’s your favourite place for a cuppa? Fitz Cafe.
Who is another local producer you admire? My delicious Syrian food stall (at the Riverina Producers Market). She fed me lunch and she was great.
You can learn more about Handmade by Zoe Campbell here. Zoe offers workshops, school excursions to run activities and kids’ birthday parties.
Region Riverina is committed to celebrating our local producers and creatives and encourages everyone to buy local. If you’re aware of someone who’s making something amazing, let us know!
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